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2025 Program

Person in a shiny cowboy hat has their back to the camera, at Party in the Paddock 2025, photo by Ruby Procter

How Festivals are Building Communities & Driving Renewal

Speakers

Tara Medina smiling and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt

Tara Medina

Co-Founder & Director, Strawberry Fields

Phaedra Watts, smiling woman with wavy hair wearing a dark shirt.

Phaedra Watts

Festival Director, Nannup Music Festival

Jesse Higgs in a purple suit and hat at music festival Party in the Paddock

Jesse Higgs

Founder & Artistic Director, Party In The Paddock & Vibestown Productions

Guy Grey smiling, standing outdoors

Guy Grey

Artist-Organiser, Tropical Fruits Inc

Olly Arkins

Managing Director, Australian Festival Association (AFA)

Dr Christen Cornell

Research Fellow & Manager of Research Partnerships, Creative Australia

Sarah Ndiaye in a blue shirt standing in front of some beer tanks

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye

Mayor of Byron Shire

How Festivals are Building Communities & Driving Renewal

From paddocks to town halls, regional festivals are more than celebrations — they’re catalysts for connection, creativity, and renewal. This session brings together festival organisers, government representatives and researchers to explore how festivals strengthen regional identity, support communities, local economies, and create lasting social and cultural impact.

Photo: Party in the Paddock 2025 by Ruby Procter.

Speakers

Jesse Higgs in a purple suit and hat at music festival Party in the Paddock

Jesse Higgs

Founder & Artistic Director, Party In The Paddock & Vibestown Productions

Tara Medina smiling and wearing a white long-sleeved shirt

Tara Medina

Co-Founder & Director, Strawberry Fields

Dr Christen Cornell

Research Fellow & Manager of Research Partnerships, Creative Australia

Guy Grey smiling, standing outdoors

Guy Grey

Artist-Organiser, Tropical Fruits Inc

Phaedra Watts, smiling woman with wavy hair wearing a dark shirt.

Phaedra Watts

Festival Director, Nannup Music Festival

Sarah Ndiaye in a blue shirt standing in front of some beer tanks

Mayor Sarah Ndiaye

Mayor of Byron Shire

Olly Arkins

Managing Director, Australian Festival Association (AFA)